What was Renan's theory on nationhood?
A nation, as I argued, is not defined by race, language, religion, or geography alone. Instead, it is a spiritual principle, a 'moral consciousness' that arises from a shared past, a present desire to live together, and a commitment to building a common future. It is a 'plebiscite of daily life,' a continuous affirmation of belonging and shared will. The memory of past glories and sacrifices, and the hope for future greatness, bind individuals into a collective entity.
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